The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine is a popular engine option offered by both Ram and Jeep vehicles. It is a turbocharged V6 diesel engine known for its impressive fuel efficiency and torque output. It gets around 30% better fuel economy than Chrysler’s Hemi V8, which has similar torque and mpg performance. The engine has undergone several iterations and updates over the years to make it more reliable.
The small V6 engine was first released in 2014 and had nearly no competition at the time due to it being extremely economical. It’s advantages ultimately lead to it being a reliable engine for workhorse trucks that are towing big loads and traveling extended distances.
The 3.0L EcoDiesel engine produces 260 horsepower depending on the specific model and configuration. One of the notable strengths of the EcoDiesel is its high torque output. It generates 480 lb.-ft. of torque, providing robust low-end power and towing capability. It also incorporates advanced fuel injection technology to optimize fuel combustion and efficiency, contributing to its better fuel economy.
The EcoDiesel engine is equipped with various emissions control systems, including a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, to meet stringent emissions standards. Those strengths aside, you wouldn’t assume the 3.0L EcoDiesel would be the first choice for use in a performance application, but that won’t stop some people.
The guys over at Freedom Racing Engines are always cooking up an interesting project for us to check out. Case in point, the 6.8L Cummins engine we detailed last year after the 2022 PRI Show. Now, they’ve just finished a unique 3.0L EcoDiesel engine for prolific diesel racer Scott Birdsall.
The engine features Dynamite Diesel Super Mental injectors, an S&S CP4 fuel pump, a Chuckles Garage manifold built on a Banks Power racing intake manifold, S&S Diesel / MoTec tuning, TiAL Sport MVR wastegates, a custom Armstrong Race Engineering dry sump system, Diamond pistons, Wagler connecting rods, ARP hardware, and Vibrant Performance AN lines, tubing, and HD clamps.
Interestingly, the team went with a twin-charged setup for this engine, utilizing both a Garret G45-1125 turbocharger and a Magnusson TVS1900 supercharger. Twincharging is often designed to provide improved power and torque across a wide range of engine speeds.
Twincharging aims to maximize the benefits of both supercharging and turbocharging. Superchargers are known for their immediate power delivery but tend to be less efficient at higher engine speeds due to their mechanical drive. Turbochargers, on the other hand, excel at higher engine speeds, but may exhibit some lag at low rpm. By combining the two, twincharging aims to provide a broader power band, with the supercharger compensating for the turbocharger’s initial lag and the turbocharger taking over as engine speed increases.
The 3.0L EcoDiesel will be used in Birdsall’s Le Mans Prototype (LMP-1) racer in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this summer. The engine also gets AMSOIL oil and lubricants to help it live during those intense efforts. We’ll be watching closely to see how it performs!
Diesel of the Week is sponsored by AMSOIL. If you have an engine you’d like to highlight in this series, please email Engine Builder Editor Greg Jones at [email protected].
